Short answer: Most license plate frames sold in the U.S. do not come with screws because vehicles already have manufacturer-supplied hardware, and screw compatibility varies greatly across car models. Including universal screws can lead to fitment issues, legal risks, and unnecessary returns. Manufacturers often choose to omit them to reduce cost, simplify logistics, and comply with state regulations.
Introduction
If you’ve ever purchased a license plate frame online or in-store in the U.S., you may have noticed that it typically does not include mounting screws. For many buyers, especially first-time car owners, this seems counterintuitive—shouldn’t mounting hardware come with the frame?
This article explains the key reasons why license plate frames are usually sold without screws and how car owners can easily handle the installation on their own.
1. Vehicles Already Come with Screws Installed
Most vehicles sold in North America come with pre-installed license plates and mounting screws, either from the factory or the dealership. These screws are carefully matched to the specific material and thread pattern of the car’s bumper or license plate bracket.
Providing additional, generic screws could cause:
- Improper fit (e.g., wrong thread type)
- Damage to the vehicle (e.g., stripped threads, cracked plastic)
- Customer complaints or returns
As a result, most license plate frame manufacturers prefer to leave the screws out entirely.
2. Screw Specifications Vary by Car Model
There is no industry standard screw size for license plate mounting across vehicles in the U.S. Some use imperial thread patterns (e.g., #14-14), others use metric sizes (e.g., M6 x 1.0), and sometimes the front and rear screw sizes differ on the same vehicle.
Major brands like Ford, Honda, Toyota, Tesla, and Jeep may all require different screw types. Including a “universal” screw poses a compatibility risk, which could lead to:
- Negative product reviews
- Increased returns
- Frustrated customers
3. Business Strategy: Minimize After-Sales Issues
Omitting screws helps manufacturers:
- Reduce return rates due to installation failures
- Avoid shipping extra components (bags, manuals)
- Lower product cost and packaging weight
This approach is especially important for high-volume sellers and wholesale distributors, where small efficiencies make a big difference in profitability and customer satisfaction.
4. Legal Considerations: Avoid Blocking Plate Information
In the U.S., license plates must remain fully visible. Most states prohibit any frame or accessory that covers key information such as:
- State name
- Registration stickers
- Plate numbers
Including screws or pre-drilled frame holes might encourage improper mounting, leading users to block or misalign parts of the plate. Some states (e.g., California) even fine vehicle owners for using plate frames that obscure the word “California.”
To reduce the risk of regulatory violations and legal disputes, many manufacturers avoid providing mounting screws altogether, leaving the installation details to the consumer.
5. Consumer Preference & Market Norms
In the U.S., it’s common for car owners to source their own mounting hardware. Many prefer:
- Custom screw types (e.g., stainless steel, black-headed, tamper-proof)
- Aesthetic upgrades
- Anti-theft kits from auto parts retailers like AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts
By not bundling screws, manufacturers:
- Avoid inflating product price unnecessarily
- Allow consumers to choose their own installation method
- Align with DIY expectations in the American automotive accessory market
What to Do if Your Frame Doesn’t Come with Screws
Even if your license plate frame doesn’t include screws, installing it is usually straightforward:
- Reuse Existing Screws: If your license plate is already installed, simply reuse the original screws to attach the new frame.
- Purchase a Screw Kit:
- Standard Kits: Typically $5–$10, include stainless steel screws, washers, nuts.
- Anti-Theft Kits: Come with locking screws and special tools, ideal for high-theft areas.
- No-Drill Mounting Options:
- 3M double-sided tape
- Magnetic brackets
- Snap-on fasteners for vehicles with no front plate holes
Conclusion
License plate frames in the U.S. are generally sold without screws for good reason—compatibility, legal compliance, cost efficiency, and user preference. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a fleet manager, or an online shopper, understanding this norm helps you make smarter decisions when buying and installing automotive accessories.
If you’re looking for a high-quality license plate frame, make sure you’re also prepared with the right screws or mounting method that fits your specific vehicle model.
